German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday that “it is wiser to prepare for a long war” in Ukraine, adding that Kiev’s allies would stick together for the duration.
“I think it’s wise to be prepared for a long war and it’s wise to send a message to Putin that we are ready to be with Ukraine at all times, and we will continue to support the country,” Scholz told CNN’s Christian Told Amanpur at Germany’s Annual Munich Security Conference.
“The really important decision that we must make together is saying that we are prepared to do this for as long as is necessary, and we will do our best,” the Chancellor said.
Scholz refrained from setting an end goal date for the war, saying that the unity among the Ukrainian allies has surprised Putin.
“I’m pretty sure Putin never expected that there would be a united Europe and a united world. He never expected that the Transatlantic Partnership would work so well,” he said.
Scholz singled out the United States for their continued and important support.
“We just do it together with our friends and partners, and especially the United States,” Scholz said, adding that he really appreciates his government’s “strong alliance” with the US.
On arming Ukraine: Amanpour asked Scholz about deploying more German-made Leopard 2 tank On the ground in Ukraine.
Scholz said more would be deployed “very soon” with trained troops, but warned that many of Ukraine’s partners have not been able to deliver the most modern models of combat vehicles.
“I’ve learned that many people are not able to provide the most modern things … but we will also support what they do,” Scholz said. “And as you know, there are also a large number of older tanks that we will be delivering.”
confronted on concerns dwindling ammunition storesScholz stressed the need for “permanent production of the most important weapons”, including ammunition.